Stories from Burundi

This article was edited by Global Connections using content provided by SEAN International.

About SEAN International

Global Connections Network member, SEAN International is dedicated to writing Bible courses for TEE (Theological Education by Extension).

'TEE' is a highly mobile and effective system of training within the local context, based on home study and group meetings led by trained tutors. SEAN (Study by Extension for All Nations) offers training courses in Discipleship, Evangelism, Leadership and Ministry, Mission and Church Planting.

SEAN is interdenominational and serves the Church in 120 countries. Courses are now available in 70 languages.

SEAN Bible courses in Burundi

The East African country of Burundi is the poorest country in Africa. There is a great need for training and discipleship in the church. Last year the Anglican Church of Burundi began using SEAN Bible courses intended to equip pastors and leaders for church growth over a 25-year period. Already there are encouraging testimonies from people who have been taking part in SEAN groups.

Above: Trainee Sean Bible Course Leaders in Burundi

90 facilitators from the 9 Burundi dioceses were trained in the SEAN method of 'TEE' (Theological Education by Extension) - combining personal study and group meetings with practical application of learning in life.

The initial target is for over 1,300 people to do SEAN's basic Bible course 'Abundant Life'.

SEAN Bible Study groups in Burundi

The Reverend Captain Simon, the Provincial Mission Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Burundi, has visited SEAN Bible study groups in a number of different dioceses, and he reports as follows:

'There are now better relationships between many wives and husbands; some people have stopped being involved in witchcraft; people are witnessing to Jesus in their local neighbourhoods; small prayer groups have been established in different communities; there has been a reduction in domestic violence; and some clergy say they now have more people helping them to lead local church services.'

The Burundi Discipleship Programme

Rev. Dr. Sam and Rev Steve’s (from The Relay Trust) recently visited Burundi and heard these encouraging examples from the Burundi Discipleship Programme.

Mr. Venuste Nduwimana attests that before these trainings, he didn't communicate with his children, his wife, and even less with his neighbours.

“I was always sulking and kept to myself, which stressed my family. Currently, I share the Word of God with my entire immediate family, and I speak with everyone. This wonderful program has helped me build good relationships with my children, my wife, and everyone around me.”

Beatrice Bahingabe testifies that she used to pray on Thursdays and Sundays. She currently participates in morning prayers every day. She formed a prayer group that has gradually grown from 10 to 30 individuals, including Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Pentecostals.

“We meet in the small church at home. I am very proud of this and thank the author and leader of these trainings. We have eradicated youth gangs in the streets that resulted in drug use, rape and robbery. These young people have joined our prayer circles. The prayer groups are spreading from household to household.”

Jean Bosco Hatungimana is an elected official who is the Executive Secretary of the Kayogoro commune. He claims to have made mistakes in preaching.

“These trainings gave me more knowledge and insight into the Word of God from the very first lesson. I decided to use the lessons learned in the BDP (Burundi Discipleship Programme) in my professional life.

When people come to me with conflicts that divide them, I begin by sharing the Word of God, and then they ask me to pray for them. I confess and tell them that even if the situation is conflictual, it is the result of our sinful nature and only God can save us if we repent. They decide to resolve amicably their conflicts, and I have helped many cases. I have a cell group at home of 13 people from all denominations and a cell group at church of 9 people.”

Eric MPAYIMANA is a local leader.

“We contribute greatly to the resolution of conflict cases in the community. In 16 cases of conflicts, we judged only one case and 15 others were resolved peacefully by themselves without taking the path of justice, by following advice and prayers.

As a living example, in my community there is a certain woman who read this Abundant Life (Bible course) manual. She had committed adultery and went home to repent with her husband. The husband had committed the same crime and he, too, repented in front of his wife. After confessing to each other the family leads a peaceful and quiet life.”

Above: Students on the Abundant Life course.

We are thankful to God for the following, as a result of the Abundant Life Bible course:

• A reduction in false biblical teachings.
• Improved quality of leadership both in the Church and in communities.
• Positive testimonies from families and neighbouring communities about the Bible teachers in training.
• Spiritual transformation of the learners because of the Abundant Life programme. The programme added a value to their faith, and depth to their level of understanding of the Word of God.
• 17 members from different training centres in the diocese of Rumongewho are being prepared to become deacons.
• Setting up of inclusive prayer cells in several training centres.
• Setting up prayer groups in high schools.
• Strengthening peaceful coexistence, love among learners, and with the surrounding environment.
• Spiritual transformation for practitioners leading to a reduction of superstitious practices.
• The TEE (Theological Education by Extension) method can spread quickly within communities. 2 Timothy 2:2 ‘And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.’
• The revival ministry is being observed in a spectacular way, and several Christians are asking when it will be their turn to learn.

Please keep the people of Burundi in your prayers.

Find out more about SEAN courses: https://www.seaninternational.org/about-us